Gastric Banding Surgery in Mexico

Lap-Band Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico

Jess Before and After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Is Gastric Banding Surgery Worth It?

For morbidly obese patients, the dietary modification and lifestyle changes are usually due to inadequate weight loss that will improve comorbid conditions and have an acceptable impact on the quality of life. One of the surgical methods of obesity management is Gastric Banding, a form of restrictive bariatric surgery aimed at reducing the body mass index (BMI) by reducing the stomach capacity and, thus, early satiety and an overall reduction in caloric intake.

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How does the Gastric Band work?

The adjustable gastric band procedure involves the placement of an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, which creates a small pouch with limited volume, providing an early and prolonged feeling of satiety. The band slows the passage of food from the stomach pouch to the lower part of the stomach, thus leading to decreased food intake and subsequent weight loss, making it a practical part of surgery for weight loss (Torres-Villalobos, 2015). 

The silicone band has a plastic tube that extends just below the incision on the abdomen, through which sterile water can be introduced. The injection of water into the band makes it tighter. Thus, the adjustable gastric band procedure can be adjusted (tightened or loosened) to improve weight loss and reduce side effects like vomiting.

The band around the upper part of the stomach is not/minimally inflated immediately after the laparoscopic gastric banding surgery. By the end of the sixth-week post-surgery, the band adjustments are commenced by injection of sterile fluid into the band and at 2-4 weeks intervals until the maximum restriction is reached.

This type of bariatric surgery procedure is most commonly done using the laparoscopic minimally invasive approach (Torres-Villalobos, 2015), preventing larger incisions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves only two forms of gastric band procedures: Lap-Band and Realize Adjustable Gastric Band (Torres-Villalobos, 2015).

Interested in undergoing Gastric Banding in Mexico? While gastric band surgery is popular, most bariatric surgeons recommend Gastric Sleeve Surgery, a sleeve gastrectomy, as an alternative to Gastric Band Surgery. Learn more about the affordable and safe Gastric Sleeve procedure in Mexico as a weight-loss surgery option.

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How Does the Gastric Banding Surgery Work?

The procedure involves the placement of an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. The band generates a small pouch with limited volume which will provide an early and prolonged feeling of satiety; additionally, the band slows the passage of food from the pouch to the lower part of the stomach, thus leading to decreased food intake and subsequent weight loss.

The silicone band has a plastic tube that extends just below the skin through which sterile water can be introduced. Injection of water into the band makes it tighter. Thus, the band can be adjusted (tightened or loosened) to improve weight loss and reduce side effects.

The band is not/minimally inflated immediately after surgery. By the end of the 6th-week post-surgery, the adjustment is commenced by injection of sterile fluid into the band and at 2-4weeks interval until the maximum restriction is reached.

This procedure is most commonly done using the laparoscopic minimally invasive approach .

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve only two forms of gastric banding procedures. Lap-Band and Realize Adjustable Gastric Band.

Interested in undergoing Gastric Banding in Mexico? Today Most Bariatric Surgeons Recommend the Gastric Sleeve Surgery, as an Alternative to the Gastric Banding Surgery. Learn more about affordable, safe Gastric Sleeve in Mexico.

Cost of Gastric Banding, Lap-Band in Mexico

Many consider going to Mexico to quickly access quality, affordable bariatric care. With the Lap-Band surgery, it’s no different. The cost of gastric banding surgery in Mexico can save you tens of thousands of dollars. But it’s important to note, that with the Lap-Band, you will need constant lap-band adjustments (fills) and the eventual removal of the weight loss device. 

This is different from the gastric sleeve surgery, which most bariatric surgeons recommend. As the cost of the gastric sleeve in Mexico is a one-time cost, as the surgery is permanent and does not require adjustments. 

When to do gastric band (Indications)

The indication for gastric banding is not different from that of other bariatric procedures. Just like gastric sleeve surgery, any patient with a body-mass index (BMI) above 40 kg/m² or with BMI >35 kg/m² and one or more significant comorbid conditions or weight-induced physical problems interfering with the performance of daily life activities is a candidate for the adjustable gastric band procedure. This may lead to significant weight loss when the patient cannot lose enough weight with diet and exercise (Pentin & Nashelsky, 2005).

When not to do gastric banding (Contraindications)

Gastric banding should be avoided several weeks before surgery or in the presence of any of the following conditions:

  • Inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g., Crohn's disease,
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Previous gastric perforation
  • Congenital malformations of the digestive tract
  • Severe cardiac and respiratory disease
  • Autoimmune connective tissue diseases such as SLE
  • Prolong use of steroids/immunosuppressant
  • Chronic pancreatitis

Advantages of gastric banding

Laparoscopic-adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a reasonable interim approach for the treatment of morbid obesity in adolescents because it promotes weight loss in the short term and is a reversible procedure. This procedure, being different from a vertical sleeve, involves placing a silicone band around the upper portion of the patient’s stomach, which limits the amount of food intake, leading to the creation of a small stomach pouch (Harrison, 2017).

Outcome of gastric banding

A year after surgery, a report by Hutter et al. found that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has a lower risk-adjusted morbidity, readmission, and reoperation/intervention rates than laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The part of the stomach below the band does not affect the process (Torres-Villalobos, 2015).

The excess weight loss (EWL) was found to be 49% on average in a study involving 2,815 patients who had a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band implemented. The surgeon places a band around the top portion of the stomach; the procedure is a major surgery that may need a following surgery to fix any issues such as band slippage that may arise throughout this process. Patients tend to lose enough weight over five years, sustaining the loss after surgery (Cobourn et al., 2013).

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